U.S. patent number 6,208,975 [Application Number 08/878,668] was granted by the patent office on 2001-03-27 for information aggregation and synthesization system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sabre Inc.. Invention is credited to David Stanley Bull, Robert Neal Carr, Jr., Joseph Robert Offutt, Jr..
United States Patent |
6,208,975 |
Bull , et al. |
March 27, 2001 |
Information aggregation and synthesization system
Abstract
An information aggregation and synthesization system and
process. The present invention provides aggregation and packaging
of structured or unstructured information from disparate sources
such as those available on a network such as the Internet. A
network compatible/addressable interface device is operated by a
user. The network interface device communicates with local
datastores or network accessible datastores via an addressing
scheme such as Uniform Resource Locator addresses (URLs) utilized
by the Internet. Data passing between the network interface device
and the datastores is accessed, polled, and retrieved through an
intermediary gateway system. Such aggregated information is then
synthesized, customized, personalized and localized to meet the
information resource requests specified by the user via the network
interface device.
Inventors: |
Bull; David Stanley (Irving,
TX), Carr, Jr.; Robert Neal (Watauga, TX), Offutt, Jr.;
Joseph Robert (Grapevine, TX) |
Assignee: |
Sabre Inc. (Dallas Fort Worth
Airport, TX)
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Family
ID: |
26687306 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/878,668 |
Filed: |
June 19, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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685805 |
Jul 24, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.29;
705/14.25; 705/14.54; 707/E17.109; 707/E17.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q
10/02 (20130101); G06F 16/10 (20190101); G06Q
30/0201 (20130101); G06Q 30/0207 (20130101); G06Q
30/0224 (20130101); G06Q 30/0241 (20130101); G06Q
30/0256 (20130101); H04L 29/06 (20130101); H04L
67/2804 (20130101); H04L 67/306 (20130101); H04L
67/2842 (20130101); H04L 67/18 (20130101); H04L
67/2838 (20130101); G06F 16/9535 (20190101); G06Q
30/02 (20130101); H04L 67/2823 (20130101); H04L
69/329 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06Q
30/00 (20060101); H04L 29/06 (20060101); G06Q
10/00 (20060101); G06F 17/30 (20060101); H04L
29/08 (20060101); G06F 017/60 () |
Field of
Search: |
;705/14,26,10
;395/200.31,200.33,200.47,200.54 ;709/202,203,217,218,219
;707/3,6 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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649121A2 |
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Oct 1994 |
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EP |
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94/12646 |
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Oct 1994 |
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EP |
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93/00628 |
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Jan 1993 |
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WO |
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94/00206 |
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Nov 1997 |
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WO |
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Other References
IEEE, Article by M. F. Wyle, entitled "A Wide Area Network
Information Filter", Oct. 1991, pp. 10-15. .
Object Magazine, Article by Darrell Woelk, Michael Huhns, and
Christine Tomlinson, entitled "Uncovering The Next Generation of
Active Objects", Jul./Aug. 1995, pp. 33-40. .
Online Information 94 Proceedings, Article by David Gee and Peter
Wooliams, entitled "Novel Approaches to Automating the Gathering of
Intelligence from the Online Community through the Internet ",
1994, pp. 501-511. .
Multimedia At Work, Article by Thomas D. C. Little, entitled
"Commerce on the Internet", 1994, pp. 74-78. .
Database WPI Week 96340813. .
Aubrey, David, "Nomads of the Net (intelligent agents for data
searching)," Computer Shopper, vol. 15, No. 12, p. 616(4), pp. 1-8,
Dec. 1995. .
Yuwono et al., "Search and Ranking Algorithms for Locating
Resources on the World Wide Web," IEEE, pp. 164-171, 1996. .
"The Whole Internet -For Windows 95", Author Ed Krol & Paula
Ferguson, pp.117-121, 126..
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Primary Examiner: Tkacs; Stephen R.
Assistant Examiner: Kalinowski; Alexander
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a divisional application of copending Ser. No. 08/685,805
filed on Jul. 24, 1996.
This application is based on Provisional Application No. 60/015,384
entitled INFORMATION AGGREGATION AND SYNTHESIZATION SYSTEM, filed
Apr. 1, 1996.
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A method for notifying a third party of a demand for information
by users of a network, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving a user request to locate particular information on a
network accessible datastore;
determining whether the particular information is present on the
datastore;
collecting data reflecting a number of requests for the particular
information when the particular information is determined to be
absent from the datastore; and
forwarding the collected data to the third party to notify the
third party of a demand for the particular information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the collecting step further
includes the substep of:
collecting data reflecting search patterns of the users.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the forwarding step further
includes the substep of:
forwarding the collected data to the third party based upon a
threshold matching of a predetermined criteria and the collected
data.
4. A computer for notifying a third party of a demand for
information by users of a network, the computer comprising:
a memory having program instructions; and
a processor, responsive to the program instructions, configured
to:
receive a user request to locate particular information on a
network accessible datastore;
determine whether the particular information is present on the
datastore;
collect data reflecting a number of requests for the particular
information when the particular information is determined to be
absent from the datastore; and
forward the collected data to the third party to notify the third
party of a demand for the particular information.
5. The computer of claim 4, wherein the processor is further
configured to collect data reflecting search patterns of the
users.
6. The computer of claim 4, wherein the processor is further
configured to forward the collected data to the third party based
upon a threshold matching of a predetermined criteria and the
collected data.
7. A computer-readable medium containing instructions for
controlling a data processing system to perform a method for
notifying a third party of a demand for information by users of a
network, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving a user request to locate particular information on a
network accessible datastore;
determining whether the particular information is present on the
datastore;
collecting data reflecting a number of requests for the particular
information when the particular information is determined to be
absent from the datastore; and
forwarding the collected data to the third party to notify the
third party of a demand for the particular information.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the collecting step further
includes the substep of:
collecting data reflecting search patterns of the users.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the forwarding step further
includes the substep of:
forwarding the collected data to the third party based upon a
threshold matching of a predetermined criteria and the collected
data.
10. An apparatus for notifying a third party of a demand for
information by users of a network, the apparatus comprising:
means for receiving a user request to locate particular information
on a network accessible datastore;
means for determining whether the particular information is present
on the datastore;
means for collecting data reflecting a number of requests for the
particular information when the particular information is
determined to be absent from the datastore; and
means for forwarding the collected data to the third party to
notify the third party of a demand for the particular
information.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for collecting
further includes:
means for collecting data reflecting search patterns of the
users.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the means for forwarding
further includes:
means for forwarding the collected data to the third party based
upon a threshold matching of a predetermined criteria and the
collected data.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an information aggregation and
synthesization system which connects with local and network
accessible datastores through an intermediary gateway system.
2. Prior Art
Widespread use of personal computers, modems (modulator/demodulator
devices that enable data to be transmitted) and data connections
has allowed the growth of computer networks. The Internet serves as
an example of a type of computer network, and indeed, is a large
network of networks, all inter-connected, wherein the processing
activity takes place in real time. The Internet offers mail, file
transfer, remote log in and other services. The World Wide Web
(WWW) is the fastest growing part of the Internet.
On the World Wide Web (WWW), a technology called hypertext allows
Internet addressable resources to be connected, or linked, to one
another.
In the past, certain, limited aspects, of the present invention
have been proposed, such as monitoring of computer usage.
Lockwood (U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,355) provides a computerized tool to
augment sales and marketing capabilities of travel agency
personnel. The system creates and displays customized sales
presentations from (1) stored client profiles; (2) travel agent
assessment of client profiles; and (3) computerized reservation
system responses to client profiles. Selected factors are analyzed
by the operating program based upon an organization hierarchy of
specifications.
Lockwood differs from the present invention in:
1) Data sources--Lockwood uses content from both a videodisk
(static) and computerized reservation systems (dynamic). The
present invention is capable of deriving content from totally
dynamic sources on the World Wide Web (including Internet and local
datastores or caches simulating a WWW component).
2) Client Profiles--Lockwood proposes that these be input by a
Travel Agent. In the present invention, profiles are entered by the
consumer (explicit) or collected through analysis of online session
activity (implicit).
3) Data Organization--Lockwood uses preindexed videodisks. The
present invention indexes prequalified WWW sites, updating these as
they change or as users expand their WWW searches.
4) Programation--Lockwood places the entire index of information in
a PROM. This index is exercised by the sequencer which displays a
sales presentation. The present invention stores indices in
magnetic medium but retrieval and presentation of the indexed
information is executed dynamically on premised upon user
input.
Remillard (U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,393) discloses an electronic device
and method for monitoring television activity and communicating the
monitored activity to a facility and initiating appropriate
actions. A controller initiates an automated configuration by
acquiring configuration information. The controller monitors
television channel selection information and assembles the
monitored television information into a user profile. An option
includes capturing images or text and forwarding to the user
through a mail facility.
Remillard differs from the present invention in that it suggests a
device to access distant information through a television set. The
present invention utilizes network addressable information resource
and human interface elements such as those used by the Internet,
one of which may in fact be attached to a TV. Remillard's invention
(or that of others) may be used as a means to acquire WWW
information but does not contemplate the present invention.
Levinson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,505) provides information in a
database which is tagged with indices to form an hierarchical
structure. Software having a set of subscriber requests handling
routines interacts with a data filter subsystem. The data filter
subsystem receives incoming data stream and selects those packets
that meet certain selection criteria. A special smart caching
routing is provided for anticipating future requests by the
user.
Levinson differs from the present invention:
1) Levinson proposes a satellite based information retrieval
system. This is based on fixed data sources (Compuserve, Prodigy)
being queried by a user on a telephone line with the results being
returned via a television connection. The present invention uses a
similar infrastructure to return requested information to the user
but our process for identifying content that is relevant is
software agent based and retrieval of dynamic content is from the
WWW vs. fixed data sources. The present invention can use any
means: for example, TV, Cable Modem, RF, ISDN, Modem, fixed line
(T-2, T-3 etc.).
2) Levinson would establish user inputted profiles for "Automatic
Data Retrieval". The present invention supplements user provided
profile information by constructing implicit profile recognition
patterns, based upon historical search activity.
3) Levinson's invention does not specify any of the six components
proposed in the present invention.
Griffin et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,809) provides an information
storage and retrieval system for storing, referencing and
retrieving various travel information from a database. A querying
device queries the user for input used to define the field for the
travel destination desired. Statistical records are produced which
provide relevant information relating to travel destinations using
the system. Information is thus provided which can be used to
evaluate the popularity of particular destinations.
Griffin et al. differs from the present invention in that it
discloses a kiosk system and the processes and subprocesses for
self service travel planning and reservations. While the present
invention provides similar capability-using other means, the six
features of the present invention are not disclosed in this
patent.
Senda (U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,859) discloses an information providing
system using a communication network which stores
attribute/schedule information from each subscriber and uses that
information to match with other subscribers.
Senda differs from the present invention in that it is a software
based system for meeting a system while traveling. It involves a
best fit match between profiles. The present invention also
provides a "best fit" but between software agents and data being
viewed. Senda has both formatted selection and source data inputted
for a specific purpose (to meet someone). The present invention
uses software agents to format selection data but the source data
is unformatted from the WWW.
Belove et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,820) discloses a storage
transmission mechanism for retrievable items and may be used on the
Internet. The system may include a filter on each client or on the
server between the user and the Internet.
Belove et al. differs from the present invention in that it is a
client server object caching system. Except for the pruning
mechanism that limits the information cached at the client side,
there is no resemblance to the present invention.
Accordingly, it is a principal object and purpose of the present
invention to provide an information aggregation and synthesization
process and system connecting a network operable device and a
plurality of local or network accessible datastores wherein data
passing there between is accessed, polled and retrieved through an
intermediary gateway system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes at least six different aspects or
functional components which are related, all involving use of a
computer accessible data network such as the Internet. While the
individual aspects may be utilized together, they may also be used
separately.
The user initiates access to the system through a network
addressable interface device (such as a personal computer, Internet
Appliance, an interactive television or even a personal digital
assistant or smart telephone). The user is then connected to the
information aggregation and synthesization system via a network
service provider (most likely through the Internet or some
variation). The user logs on to the system either by name, address,
etc. or with some pseudonym (or some combination). This allows the
user's activity to be tracked and establishes a log of the user's
activity during the current online experience (session). The user
is also asked for explicit profile information concerning
preferences. These preferences will be used to narrow the
information retrieval and may be collected when the user first logs
in or incrementally as the user asks for specific information. This
profile information will be kept and updated as the individual
user's preferences change.
Once the user is logged in, the information aggregation and
synthesization system will facilitate the user's access to local
information or information distributed on a network (this network
could be a local area network or a wide area network such as the
Internet). All user access to information is through the
system.
This information is topically oriented (Germany travel, the
Olympics, Spring Break or even new cars), composed of files and
file references using the Hypertext Markup Language ("HTML") or
similar tagged reference format that may be prescreened for
relevance and appropriateness. Selected text can be "expanded" at
any time to provide other information. These words are, thus,
linked to other documents. This information is indexed in this
fashion in advance of the user's logging in.
A gateway is provided into the WWW for shopping while retaining the
user passing through the information aggregation and synthesization
system. A gateway is provided to poll, access and retrieve
information from various locations. A filtering process is provided
and the resulting information is returned to the requested
party.
The user is presented with a variety of search, display and output
options. The search options include: 1) Search using key words or
combinations; 2) Use of complex software text search agents that
have been predefined by the information aggregation and
synthesization system site operators. These agents take advantage
of the expansive subject matter expertise in understanding which
search parameters will best serve the user's search needs; 3) Use
of search patterns and agents from this user's previous sessions,
perhaps expanded by available specials and promotions; 4) Natural
Language Query; and 5) Some combination of 1), 2), 3) and 4).
The user selects information to be viewed from the results of the
search. This information is retrieved from its source and presented
to the user in the manner and at the time requested. The available
display options include but are not limited to: display on the
user's network capable device, personal TV channel, customized
Internet page, custom CD-ROM, electronic mail, mobile devices
(Personal Digital Assistants, telephones and pagers) and facsimile.
Information retrieval and display can be text, still pictures,
videos, Interactive multimedia, audio and geographic.
Along with displays, including those for data entry, searches,
search results, information retrieval, the user will be presented
with advertisements and/or coupons based on criteria entered by
advertisers. This criteria may take the form of simple logic,
linking an ad/coupon with a display or be derived from complex
software text search agents that analyze one or more of the
following: The user's looking pattern, the user's psychographic
profile, the user's personal profile, the availability of the
advertiser's/couponer's goods or services at the instant in time
that the criteria is being exercised. The placement of the
ad/coupon will be logged along with user profile information and
provided to the advertiser/couponer in some form of report.
During a user session or when a user completes a session, the
user's looking activity is analyzed for patterns, preferences and
trends and the profile annotated or updated so that when they next
use the information aggregation and synthesization system, the
nominated searches will be customized to their individual
desires.
The six aspects of the information aggregation and synthesization
system are:
I. URL Munging
The World Wide Web ("WWW") is characterized by computer (user)
connection through an Internet Service Provider to any WWW address
or site. Hence, use of the WWW is like placing individual telephone
calls to many merchants, trying to compare products and services.
URL Munging is the process that allows the goods and services of
many merchants to be displayed through a single virtual shopping
center.
This involves encapsulating and indexing the content of various
merchants as well is modifying parts of the internal structure,
repurposing and redirecting it to be integrated into the Travel
Genie Infrastructure. This allows content from and access to
multiple merchants to be aggregated, synthesized and accessed at a
single WWW site.
II. WWW CD-Rom
World Wide Web ("WWW") access from homes is often constrained by
the lack of sufficient data communications bandwidth within a
typical residential infrastructure (WWW information may be accessed
through the Internet WWW, a local Internet WWW, or a local
datastore or cache simulating a WWW component).
The Internet user will select World Wide Web (WWW) content for
retrieval using a search engine to return selected WWW references.
The user will then select certain of these references to be
included in a custom CD which will be burned or recorded onto a CD
and then sent by express delivery to the user.
III. Software Agent Advertising Insertion
Currently, advertisements in WWW pages are tightly tied to each
page, are inserted based on keywords or on a psychographic profile
of the user.
Certain criteria will be entered which delineates a pattern that is
requested to be monitored. When this pattern is seen (or is in
close match) in the user's WWW activity, the insertion mechanism is
activated. If a certain web page is requested, the present
invention will display a particular advertisement. The ad will be
inserted based on the content of the existing web page being read.
An analysis of the text stream of the user's interactive session
will be performed on-line. For instance, if the user accesses web
pages for Holiday Inns on the West Coast, the insertion mechanism
could be established to automatically insert ads for Hilton Inns on
the West Coast.
IV. Automated Profile Generation
Presently, user's profiles are collected based on explicit entry by
the user, and extraction from demographic data collected from a
variety of sources.
In the present invention, the searching patterns of the user on the
Internet are monitored. A set of software text agent profiles is
developed and may be integrated with explicitly collected profile
information. The automated profile generation will have both
explicit profile information gathering and implicit profile
information gathering capabilities.
As the user uses the information aggregation and synthesization
system, the pattern of information being viewed is analyzed and the
user presented with search ideas as well as promotions and specials
from suppliers based on these patterns.
V. Automated Lead Generation
Currently, leads are generated by recording user's WWW site
selection. (For Example, user's visiting a "Chicago" information
site would be "Chicago" leads.)
In the present invention, the user WWW viewing patterns are
recorded. These and optionally the user's profile are matched
against software text agents entered by a supplier. When these
agents match a pattern/profile, the supplier is notified. When this
profile is approximately matched, the supplier is notified.
VI. Software Agent Unmet Needs Generation
Currently, there is no on-line immediately accessible system to
analyze unmet needs of Internet users.
In the present invention, records will be maintained from user
usage of the Internet on what consumer queries are unmet by the WWW
content retrieved. The invention will intuitively construct a
profile from user inputted data. This will be done by recognizing
unanswered queries and/or user initiated requests. From this, a
profile will be developed to identify new markets. As an example,
if one hundred people inquire about snorkeling off the coast of
Texas, this information could be sold to a tour provider who could
not only prepare a travel package but sell the leads to a company.
Thus, the system will be able to gather "negative" leads.
In the course of a session, the user may desire information not yet
available. This information could be in the form of a product, a
service or an event. The user then can establish a persistent
(stays around after the user's session is over) complex software
text search agent to monitor future information additions to the
System and alert the user through a variety of means (facsimile,
electronic mail, text page, voice, pager) that the information that
was requested is available or in some instances, provide the
information directly. The set of persistent agents will also be
analyzed by the information aggregation and synthesization system
operators and provided to potential suppliers who would in turn
develop new product offerings which would be added to the
information aggregation and synthesization system sources.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred
embodiments of the invention and, together with the preceding
general description and the following detailed description, explain
the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 illustrates an interface of the present system with a user
access system and various data sources;
FIG. 2 illustrates several datastore categories and an I/O system
consistent with the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates dialog management and agent datastore categories
consistent with the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates operation systems categories consistent with the
present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram for a WWW CD ROM consistent with
the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram for a software agent advertising
insertion consistent with the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram for automated profile generation
consistent with the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of lead generation consistent
with the present invention; and
FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram for an unmet need agent
consistent with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the embodiments described herein and accompanying figures, a
travel information scenario is depicted. It will be understood that
the present invention is capable of performing similarly for other
venues, such as mortgages, automobile sales and any other
interactive exchange of information sought by information content
seekers and potentially satisfied by information content
providers.
Initial Setup For User
Referring to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram
showing the interface of the present system 200 with a user on a
user access system 100 and various data sources. FIG. 2 illustrates
several of the datastore categories. The use of the present
invention has at least five phases:
Initial Setup For User
Initial Setup For Advertisers and Lead Generation
Ongoing Maintenance
User Session
Post Session Activity
A theme or definition of a class of information (e.g., central
California travel and tourism or new automobiles) is identified.
Data sources (Local DataStores (500 . . . N) and Network Accessible
DataStores (300 . . . N)) are screened for relevance, quality of
information and appropriateness (or may be included de facto based
on their title or description). These are indexed using a text
indexing software tool 2981 and the indices stored on the system
index DataStore 220. An initial set of Preestablished Software Text
Agents are defined. These agents are words or combinations of words
that form a word based search pattern. This initial set of agents
is relevant to the searches that might be performed against the
class of information that was indexed. (i.e., Agents about
automobiles would be developed to search a class of indexed
information about new cars). These are stored in the Preestablished
Software Text Agent DataStore 231. The System 200 uses any
multipurpose computer central processing units with the ability to
handle multiple inputs and outputs with the necessary hard disk
storage and to run World Wide Web (WWW) or other network server
software.
Initial Setup For Advertisers and Lead Generation
Advertisers
Advertisers, using a user access system 100 enter criteria that
should met for an advertisement/coupon placement. These criteria
are in the form of the complex software text search agents
described above. This includes a match "threshold". When this
threshold is met or exceeded, an ad/coupon will be appended to a
system session. Statistical analysis known as clustering is used to
evaluate the data.
The ad/coupon may be resident on the user access system 100, an
advertiser's computer system (400 . . . N) or stored in the
Advertising DataStore 250. Additionally, the Advertiser may include
conditional criteria for ad/coupon placement (available inventory,
in stock levels, excess capacity, etc.). This criteria is
referenced when the "threshold" is met and if satisfactory, the
ad/coupon is appended. This criteria may be tested against data
input through the user access system 100, data on the advertising
datastore 250 or data on the advertiser's computer system (400 . .
. N). Additionally, advertisers can input World Wide Web (WWW)
referential information (hot links) to be displayed with
ads/coupons or on geographic map displays. These are stored on the
advertising datastore 250.
Lead Generation
Lead Purchasers, using a user access system 100 enter criteria that
should be met for the generation of a lead. These criteria are in
the form of the complex software text search agents described
above. This includes a match "threshold". When this threshold is
met or exceeded, information about the current user and the
information being viewed is stored in the lead datastore 270 for
variable output transmission to the lead purchaser.
Ongoing Maintenance
Index Updating
Local datastores (500 . . . N) and network accessible datastores
(300 . . . N) will change randomly and will become out of
synchronization with the system index datastore 220. The data
monitoring system 2982 will periodically monitor local datastores
(500 . . . N) and network accessible datastores (300 . . . N) and
when there is a change, update the index datastore 220.
Data Addition
Operators will add data to the local datastores (500 . . . N) and
users using a user access system 100 will nominate data from the
network accessible datastores (300 . . . N) to be added to the
index datastore 220. Operators will update the indices using the
data indexing service 2981 if the data passes the screening
outlined in the initial setup for users above.
User Session
Login and Profiles
Browsing
Data Retrieval
User Interrupt
Ad/Coupon Insertion
Persistent Agents
Login and Profiles
Users using a user access system 100 access the information
aggregation and synthesization system 200 through the Internet or
other public or private network. The user either logs in by name or
by pseudonym or from data previously stored in the user access
system 100. New users create an account on the user profile
datastore 210. Previous users are identified to an existing
account. The user is presented with a variety of options to create
or update profile information in the user profile datastore 210.
This involves a single data entry option or many mini-options based
on the browsing activity.
Browsing
The user is also presented with browsing options based on: activity
from a previous session in the browsing activity datastore 240;
predeveloped software text agents and personalized software text
agents (developed in the Post Session Activity) stored in the
Personal Search Text Agent DataStore 232; or combinations of all as
well as situational opportunities developed by the user greeting
subsystem 291. The user selects the search options to be used (or
simply enters search criteria directly). This search criteria is
used to search the index datastore 220 and a list of data sources
is presented to the user for selection. The user indicates the
information to be viewed. The user will also be presented with
options to refine his search through the altering of search agent
criteria (Search Reduction System 293).
Data Retrieval
The requested data is retrieved either from local datastores (500 .
. . N) or network accessible datastore (300 . . . N) and presented
to the user via the session management system 292. The user may
jump to data referenced in the presented data. Subject to the
appropriate policies of the site operation, the session management
system 292 will further retrieve and present this data to the user.
The user may request that data be overlaid on a geographic display
using the Geographic Display I/O System 287 so that referenced
information may have geographic relevance.
User Interrupt
The user interrupt system 294 will periodically notify the user of
specialized software text agents that they may want to pursue.
These Agents are stored in the agent datastore 230 and are derived
by the real time session analysis system 295 which monitors the
browsing activity datastore 240 during the user's session.
Ad/Coupon Insertion
During the session, ads/coupons are inserted alongside displayed
data (text, picture or index displays) from the ad datastore 250,
based on ad/coupon insertion agents 233 and inserted by the session
management system 292. A Record of Insertion along with appropriate
user information (may be general or precise to the name of the
user) is stored in the advertising activity datastore 260.
Persistent Agents
At any time, the user may establish a persistent software Text
Agent (using the persistent agent entry system 297, stored in the
unmet needs agent datastore 234) with criteria, if met sometime in
the future, will cause the user to be notified through the I/O
System 280. These can be explicit or implicit query parameters.
Post Session Activity
Periodically, either due to a preset time interrupt, or user or
advertiser event driven activity, the following can occur:
Unmet Needs Analysis
Advertising Report
Profile Updating
Lead Report
Targeted Output
Output Activity
Unmet Needs Analysis
Users using the user access system 100 will be able to establish
persistent (stays in the system after the user quits using the
system) software text agents which describe some criteria, which,
if met, will cause them to be notified. These are stored in the
unmet needs agent datastore 234. These unmet needs agents 234 are
analyzed using the unmet needs analysis system 299 and reports are
created-through the I/O System 280 for suppliers who could
potentially meet those needs.
Advertising Report
Information about each Ad/Coupon appended to an information
aggregation and synthesization system along with known information
about the user is stored in the advertising activity datastore 260.
This is reported out periodically to the advertisers/couponers
using the I/O System 280.
Profile Updating
During a session or after a user discontinues use, the data viewed
(recorded in the browsing activity datastore 240) is analyzed by
the session profile update 2921 and the user profile datastore 210
is updated with keywords or personal search text agent datastore
232.
Lead Report
Periodically, the Software Text Lead Agents stored in the lead
generation agent datastore 235 are used to analyze the data viewed
(recorded in the browsing activity datastore 240) and reports
prepared for lead purchasers using the I/O System 280.
Targeted Output
Users through the user input system 100 will be able to designate
information to be output and the format that the I/O System 280
will use.
Output Activity (Using the I/O System 280)
All output systems will provide for the addition of specials, ads
and/or coupons.
Options are
Personalized Page 281--This will create a page accessible through
the WWW where the user can access requested information.
SMTP Electronic Mail 282--This allows the delivery of user
requested information using the SMTP capability of the Internet and
other popular electronic mail systems.
CCITT Class 3 or Class 4 Facsimile 283--This allows user requested
data to be formed as a printed page and sent via Fax to a Fax
receiver of the user's choice.
Voice output direct or to a Voice Mail Box 284--This translates the
user requested data to audio, connects to the user or their voice
mail system and transmits the audio.
Personal TV or video feed 285--This formats the data in a form
compatible with transmitted video and allows viewing on demand.
Custom CD-ROM 286--This places the requested data, indices, viewers
and all necessary software on a user Unique CD-ROM for physical
delivery.
Geographic Display I/O System 287--This allows the user to view
content geographically, to look at the geographic proximity of
merchants and services and provides a vehicle for ads and hot
links.
Mobile/Portable System 288--This allows Specially formatted Genie
Information to be displayed or translated for a wide variety of
mobile and portable devices.
Identification of Key System Components by Reference Numerals
100 User Access System
200 System comprised of:
210 User Profile DataStore
220 Travel Genie Index DataStore
230 Agent DataStore
231 Preestablished Software Text Agents
232 Personal Search Text Agents
233 Ad/Coupon Insertion Agents
234 Unmet Need Agents
235 Lead Generation Agents
240 Browsing Activity DataStore
250 Advertising DataStore
260 Advertising Activity DataStore
270 Lead DataStore
280 I/O System
281 Personalized Page Output System
282 SMTP Electronic Mail System
283 CCITT Class 3 or Class 4 Facsimile
284 Voice Output
285 Personal TV or Video Feed
286 Custom CD-ROM
287 Geographic Display I/O System
288 Mobile/Portable Device System
290 Operations System
291 User Greeting System
292 Travel Genie Session Management System
2921 Session Profile Update
293 Search Reduction System
294 User Interrupt System
295 Real Time Session Analysis System
296 Ad/Coupon Insertion System
297 Persistent Agent Entry System
298 Data Support Systems
2981 Data Indexing Service
2982 Data Monitoring System
299 Unmet Needs Analysis System
300 Network Accessible DataStores
301 . . . N
400 Advertiser's Computer Systems
401 . . . N
500 Local DataStores
501 . . . N
100 User Access System
This is a network addressable interface device, such as a
conventional personal computer capable of initiating and
maintaining a network connection and sending, receiving and
displaying data including a digitized data visual representation
device such as a monitor and auxiliary storage, such as a floppy
disk drive. It may also be a TV set, smart telephone or network
appliance with similar capabilities. It will maintain a connection
through a modem (a modulator/demodulator device) that enables data
to be transmitted and received.
200FIG. 2 illustrates datastores utilized as a part of the
invention. The information aggregation and synthesization system
includes:
210 User Profile DataStore
This contains data about the user, preferences, situational
preferences, accounting information, psychographic profile,
personal profile and other relevant information related to the user
by individual identifier.
220 System Index DataStore
This is the index of data accessible by the system. It is
established initially and updated as data changes or new data
sources are added. It is queried by Agents from the Agent DataStore
230 or by key words.
230 Agent DataStore
231 Preestablished Software Text Agents
These are complex software text search patterns predefined by the
site subject matter experts using their extensive knowledge of
information contained within the site's indices.
232 Personal Search Text Agents
These are complex software text search patterns that may be
individual words or word sets and/or combinations of words and
Preestablished Software Text Agents 231 including the results of
the post session analysis 2921 that provide individually customized
searching of the Index DataStore 220.
233 Ad/Coupon Insertion Agents
These are complex software text search patterns that when matched
within the text being reviewed within a given session, cause an
advertisement/coupon to be added into the display. These can be
direct insertion or conditioned from criteria on the Advertiser's
Computer Systems (400 . . . N) and/or the user's profile from the
user profile datastore 210.
234 Unmet Need Agents
These are complex software text search patterns created by the user
to persist after the end of the user session looking for patterns
and/or specific events or data that are observed within the System
200 at some future time.
235 Lead Generation Agents
These are complex software text search patterns that when matched
within the text being reviewed within a given session, causes an
addition to the Lead DataStore 270 for output to the lead purchaser
using the I/O System 280.
240 Browsing Activity DataStore
This is the record of the "looking" activity of each user in each
session.
250 Advertising DataStore
This is the storehouse of ads to be presented when a match is made
by the Ad/Coupon Insertion Agent 233.
260 Advertising Activity DataStore
This is the record or ads presented by the Ad/Coupon Insertion
System 296 and information about the user seeing the ads from the
Browsing Activity DataStore 240 and the user profile datastore
210.
270 Lead DataStore
When a Lead Generation Agent 235 makes a match, Data about the user
from the user profile datastore 210 and the Browsing Activity
DataStore 240 is stored here.
280 I/O System
These are the various ways that output can be channeled, for the
user, the advertiser or the lead purchaser.
281 Personalized Page Output System
This allows output text and associated objects to be formatted for
general or selective viewing through any system using Hypertext
Markup Language (HTML), VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) or
other network compatible display based language either locally or
over a network.
282 SMTP Electronic Mail System
This allows output text for whatever purpose to be formatted in a
format compatible with the SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol)
and transmitted to a designated addressee.
283 CCITT Class 3 or Class 4 Facsimile
This allows output text and associated objects for whatever purpose
to be formatted to be compatible with the CCITT Class 3 or Class 4
Fax standard and transmitted to a designated fax receiver.
284 Voice Output
This allows output text for whatever purpose to be formatted into
voice for transmission to a human receiver or a voice mail box.
285 Personal TV or Video Feed
This allows output text and associated objects for whatever purpose
to be formatted as a TV signal (any international standard) to be
accessed and replayed using local or network capability at the
request of an individual user (or a class of users).
286 Custom CD-ROM
This allows the user to designate certain data to be placed onto a
CD-ROM along with all necessary search and viewing software as well
as non user requested ads and promotions.
287 Geographic Display I/O System
This allows data requested by the user to be overlaid on a
geographic reference system (a map).
288 Mobile Device System
This allows output to be formatted for a variety of devices
including but not limited to: pagers, personal digital assistants,
mobile computing devices and other wireless devices.
290 Operations System
291 User Greeting System
This is the subsystem that identifies users, customizes search
screens, incrementally collects explicit profile information and
formulates search agent screens and search specials which may be
situational or seasonal or both.
292 Session Management System
This tracks and records a user's browsing activity, sets ID tokens,
establishes accounts, translates anonymous users to named users and
manages the user's implicit profile information.
2921 Session Profile Update
Uses the Browsing Activity DataStore 240 records, to analyze and
update the user's profile in the user profile datastore 210.
293 Search Reduction System
This aids the search by suggesting changes to the complex software
text search agents to refine the user's search.
294 User Interrupt System
Based on the Real Time Session Analysis 295 of the users looking
activity (stored in 240), determines associated references, agents
or other information to be offered to the user and interrupts the
user's session with an interactive data screen.
295 Time Session Analysis System
This monitors the user's browsing activity and analyzes the
apparent interests to trigger the user interrupt system 294.
296 Ad/Coupon Insertion System
This looks at the current display requested by the user with a
Ad/Coupon Insertion Agent 233, determines which ads should be
placed (or rotated) and makes the placement (or establishes the
rotation).
297 Persistent Agent Entry System
This is the mechanism whereby the user enters the Unmet Need Agent
234. This agent monitors text and data changes and if the requested
data/pattern occurs, the user is notified via the I/O System
280.
298 Data Support Systems
2981 Data Indexing Service
This is the facility that indexes designated DataStores (either
Network Accessible DataStore (300 . . . N) or Local DataStores (500
. . . N) upon operator input or periodically and stores these
indices in the Index DataStore 220.
2982 Data Monitoring System
This facility, periodically or on demand, checks indices stored in
the Index DataStore 220 against actual data (either Network
Accessible DataStore (300 . . . N) or Local DataStores (500 . . .
N)) and if it has changed, queues for operator review or updates
indices.
299 Unmet Needs Analysis System
This analyzes the persistent agents for common patterns or specific
requests that can be custom tailored. The results are outputted
through the I/O System 280.
300 Network Accessible DataStores
301 . . . N
These are an infinite number of network data sources that are
included in the scope of the information aggregation and
synthesization. These are represented by (300 . . . N).
400 Advertiser's Computer Systems
401 . . . N
These are DataStores established by advertisers to store
ads/coupons to be presented or to set additional conditions for
display.
500 Local DataStores
501 . . . N
These are similar to the 300 series but locally vs. wide area
network accessible.
Each of the six aspects of the present invention will be discussed
in detail.
I. URL Munging
The present invention becomes a gateway to network data content
provided by-others. The present invention directs access which is
controlled through an intermediary gateway system.
The user, through a network addressable interface device such as
the user access system 100, will connect with a local or network
accessible datastore. The user will select a page (designated by a
Uniform Resource Locator or URL) to be used. The URL will be
modified or "munged" so that retrieval must go through the present
invention when the user executes a retrieval request. This then
permits return of requested data to the user from the datastore, at
all times passing through the present invention 200.
The URLs embedded in each page that pass through are indexed by the
present invention or "munged" so that any hyper linking to another
WWW site always goes through the present invention. As an example,
"WWW.anywhere.com" is converted to "WWW.travelgenie.com?
WWW.anywhere.com", even though the user will see a direct path to
the distant site.
Accordingly, when the user clicks on a URL (or types it in a
browser's search request), the user will connect to the requested
site through the system 200.
II. WWW--CD ROMS
The user of a network addressable interface device will select
World Wide Web (WWW) data content for retrieval using a search
engine to return selected WWW references. The user will then select
and-designate certain of these references to be included in a
custom CD-ROM which will be burned or recorded onto a compact disc
and then sent by express delivery to the user.
The user will designate pages and other WWW data content including
but not limited to HTML files, audio files, still images and other
graphic files from the WWW. Through the session management system
292, selected material will be designated and retrieved. The
retrieved data will be included in a custom CD-ROM produced by a
service bureau and then sent by a delivery service to the user.
FIG. 5 shows a process flow diagram.
Optionally, the designated data may be communicated to the user via
automated telephone means, may be communicated to a user via
electronic replication, or may be copied on to auxiliary computer
storage such as through a floppy disk drive.
III. Software Agent Advertising Information
Advertising is provided which benefits the user while optimizing
the advertiser's expenditure by only presenting ads or coupons (or
ads and coupons in a rotation if multiple ads/coupons qualify) that
are pertinent to that particular user.
Certain criteria will be entered which delineates a pattern that is
requested to be monitored. When this pattern is seen (or is in
close match) in the user's WWW activity, the insertion mechanism is
activated. If a certain web page is requested, the present
invention will display a particular advertisement. The ad will be
inserted based on the content of the existing web page being read.
An analysis of the text stream of the user's interactive session
will be performed on-line. When certain text patterns are observed
(or close matches are observed), an advertisement is inserted into
the display.
The advertising may be static or connected to the advertiser's
computer datastore which designates specific ads or coupons based
on the pattern match and other conditions which may be
required.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram for the software agent
advertising insertion.
The software agent criteria is entered by the merchant in the agent
data store 230 which delineates a pattern that needs to be
monitored.
As an example, if the user accesses web pages for "Holiday Inns on
the West Coast", the insertion mechanism would be established to
automatically insert ads for "Hilton Inns on the West Coast".
IV. Automated Profile Generation
Browsing patterns of the user are analyzed and these patterns
update profiles automatically.
FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram for the Automated Profile
Generation
The looking patterns of the user are monitored to develop a set of
software text agent profiles that are integrated with explicitly
collected profile information to assist the user in narrowing down
information for future sessions as well as suggesting references,
merchandise or services during the current session. This is
accomplished by statistical analysis of the text stream.
The searching patterns of the user on the Internet are monitored by
monitoring the text stream. A set of software text agent profiles
is developed and may be integrated with explicitly collected
profile information. The explicit information is gathered by
queries to the user. The explicit and implicit data are merged to
develop software text agents that support the user's future
shopping sessions.
V. Automated Lead Generation
It is known that suppliers will pay for information gathered about
user's specific interests. When tied to a specific user, these
become "leads" that a supplier can use for off-line follow up. The
automated lead generation aspect will analyze a user's profile and
session looking activity against a profile established by a
supplier. When this profile is approximately matched, the supplier
is notified so it can contact the user to offer goods or services.
Statistical analysis using complex software text agents is used to
determine the match.
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of the lead generation.
In the present invention, the user's WWW viewing patterns are
monitored. These and optionally the user's profile 210 are matched
against software text agents entered by a supplier in an agent
datastore 230. When these agents match a pattern or profile, the
supplier is notified. Additionally, when this profile is
approximately matched, the supplier is notified. Lead purchasers,
using a user access system 100, will enter criteria that should be
met for the generation of a lead. These criteria are in the form of
complex software text search agents. When this threshold is met or
exceeded, information is stored in the lead datastore 270 for
variable output transmission to a lead purchaser.
VI. Software Agent Unmet Needs Generation
In the present invention, records will be maintained from user
usage of the Internet and other networks on what consumer queries
are unmet by the WWW content retrieved.
FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram.
If the user does not find what they are looking for, a "watcher"
agent may be set up to advise them if the object of their search
occurs at some future time. An example would be a tour, a price or
some other information. Through the session management system 292 a
threshold will be established on the user need.
The invention will intuitively construct a profile from user
inputted data. This will be done by recognizing unmet or unanswered
queries and/or user initiated requests. From this, a profile will
be developed to identify new markets. The system will thus be able
to gather "negative" leads. This information may be extracted and
sold to suppliers who will build new products and services and then
use the system as a mechanism to notify the potential customer.
Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to
the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other
and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested
herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this
invention.
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